Friday, February 27, 2009

I have been very encouraged lately by all the new found friends and resources on the blog and Facebook pages. What a great asset for those who are out of touch with the main stream of fellowship between our IFB churches. Since moving out to Kansas there aren't as many of the meeting I enjoy going to, available to me so the blog and Facebook has had to substitute for the void.I think fellowship between our fundamental brethren is very important. I know some of you would disagree with me here but I don't care. I have learned so much about the ministry (good and bad) from going to revivals and conferences or fellowship meetings. And if I could go to more now I would. I believe you are now or you will become who you hang around. So I want to hang around those who are where I want to be in my church and ministry. If I want to run 200 I find those that are running 200 or more and fellowship with them and try to learn from them what I can.Some of you are happy with your church still running the same as it did 10 years ago and blame the lack of growth on everything under the sun, accept your laziness in going after souls. And if you are going after souls, maybe you are doing something wrong. Someone said "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing you have been doing and expecting a different result."There are a bunch of nut cases here on the internet I know, but there are also a lot of really good guys out there that would love to see you and your ministry do great things for God. Just like the fellowship meetings. Some are a waste of time and some are a lot of help. If they waste my time I don't go back, but if I get help I go back next month.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

We are having some very exciting things going on at Northwest Baptist Church.What a good crowd we had last night, our normal Wen night crowd has been anywhere from 12 to 17 but we had 27 last night. All three of the our preaching services are up and the parking lot is full.One of our men that has never been able to come on Wen because of his work schedule. He and his son were there last night and he reported that he has gotten his schedule at work changed and will now be able to come now for all three services. He also will be meeting with me to go door knocking on Mondays. I now have three different men that will be going out door knocking with me through the week.We will start our spring soul winning and visitation push on March 8th with Spring Forward Sunday that will go until Sunday May 31th we will have Friend Day our goal is 150 for that Sunday. Followed by a Mon - Wen June 1st - 3rd revival meeting with Bro Lonnie Mattingly from Shawnee Baptist Church in Louisville Ky and the Epley family from Washington Iowa will be here to sing all three nights.I met yesterday with the city planner and we discussed putting in a new parking lot on the north side of the church. We will be able to add 10 parking spaces and a side walk with plenty of room to back out without backing into the road. I talked to the church about it a they are all excited about it and think we should move forward quickly with it. The planner also showed me that we will have room and should be able to build a new 3 or 4 hundred seat auditorium when we need it.I didn't discuss my pay with the church until I made the decision to take the pastorate. When I came here in September the weekly pay is about $100 to $150 per week less than is takes for us to make it. So I have been using my savings to make that up, (which I was prepared to do) so I could be full time. Trusting that the church would grow faster if I could be full time. Well I found out that the church has given me an increase of $25 each week because of how well things are going with our finances. What a blessing.We believe the Lord is going to raise up a great church here in Leavenworth. I love to see how God works and wonder what He will do next.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I need to find a way to bring some young families into the church. We had 39 on Sunday and only 8 kids and 3 teens. I would like to have about 10 more children right now. That would be a good balance for us. I know I could start a van/bus route and we could bring them in with that, but I am afraid our Sunday school is not ready for more yet. I believe the way to build the church is through Soul winning and Sunday school. I have been training soul winners but have not got a good start on training the Sunday school teachers yet I do have plans to start working with them and I believe it will have a great impact on our total church growth.The church had been without a pastor for 3 1/2 years and were very relaxed in some areas like being punctual. I am a stickler for starting on time and I believe the Sunday school teachers should be in there class 15 minutes before class starts. I also want the teachers to visit their class and plan activities each month. So until I can teach them thee things I don't think I will see the growth in the Sunday school. They have the idea that when we get more, then we will start having activities and visiting, but I think the these things should be in place before the need for it is there.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

We have seen steady growth since we came to Northwest Baptist Church in September. We had 10 at our first service on a Wednesday night and 25 on Sunday. To about 20 on Wednesday nights and 39 on Sunday morning with a high of 43. I have been taught, and have experienced first hand if a church maintains its attendance during the winter it is actually growing. We rejoice that we have not only maintained but have grown throughout the winter months.

Our parking lot has 21 spaces and this past Sunday we had 18 cars. This will be our first "good problem" we face as a church in regard to our growth. The only parking presently is on the south side of the building, but there is room for the same size parking lot on the north side. I found in a box in the storage room with the plans of several options to make the parking lot bigger. This is not the first time the parking lot expansion has presented a problem.

There are state codes for the number of parking spaces for the number of seats for a church, so I figured I will shoot for about 3 people per parking space. If the auditorium will seat 120 then we need 40 parking spaces. So this means we now have exactly half what we need. I can't stand the thought of someone driving by on Sunday morning and seeing the parking lot full and believing the building must be full then driving away. So my mission this week is to start the ball rolling and find out what we need to do to get a new parking lot put in.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

1.Salvation is a gift. Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord2. Salvation establishes a relationship 1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.3. This relationship is eternal Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.4. Salvation depends upon the finished work of Christ Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.5. The requirements for salvation are made plain in the Word of God Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.6. The Christian's sins affect his fellowship but not his relationship 1Jo 1:8-2:1 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:7. The Christian is sealed by the Holy Spirit Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,8. God has promised that nothing can separate os from Him Rom 8:33-39 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.9. Paul said there is no condemnation Ro 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.10. Jesus promised He would preserve the relationship Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

High achievers usually have one obvious thing in common: personal discipline. Successful people are willing to so things that average people are unwilling to do.

I've observed that successful people express self-discipline in six key ways:1. Successful people master their moods. They live by their commitments, not their emotions. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it. Pro 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.2. Successful people watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths. Pro 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.3. Successful people restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.4. Successful people stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, you can be sure that others will! Eph 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.5. Successful people manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! Pro 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.6. Successful people maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements. 1Thess 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Where do you need to develop self-control? The disciplines that you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. But it takes more than will power for lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself. Think about this promise from the Bible: 2Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.The more I accept God's control over my life, the more self control He gives me!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Having a good reputation is an indispensable factor in succeeding at work. A recent study revealed the difference between top salesman and average ones was not talent, but reputation. People trusted the top salesmen more. No one likes to do business with someone they don't respect. The Bible says, " Pr 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." In other words, your self-worth is more important than your net-worth.The common mistake most people make is thinking that reputation is a matter of "image." So they worry themselves with questions like, "How do I look?" or "Did I say the right thing?" A reputation built on image never lasts. To build a long-term reputation that is good, you must focus on character, not on your image. Respect must be earned.The books of Psalms and Proverbs in the Bible identifies six character qualities found in people who are respected by others.1. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH INTEGRITY. Pr 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.2. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH HUMILITY. Pr 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Pr 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.3. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH DEPENDABILITY. Pr 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. Ps 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.4. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH HAVING PRIORITIES. Pr 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. Pr 14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.5. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH GENEROSITY. Ps 112:9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.6. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH PUTTING GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE. Pr 3:4-6 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Law of Balance is built into our universe. For things to function properly, there must be equilibrium. For example…The Earth doesn't vibrate when it rotates because it is balanced on it's axis. We neither freeze to death nor burn up because we are just the right distance from the sun. Nature exists in balanced ecosystems. God has built checks and balances into nature to keep the food chain in order. In Architecture, the stress on a building must be balanced or it will collapse. The Human Body works best when our systems are balanced. Imbalance is called "illness". Restoring balance is called healing.One of the most common problems that I see in the world is people living imbalanced lives. It is a disease with many symptoms but the same root cause. You can become imbalanced with anything - working, eating, sleeping, playing, TV, sex, …etc. The fact is many business people tend to pay more attention to their PUBLIC lives and neglect their PRIVATE side. Like poor photographs, they are overexposed and underdeveloped.The results of imbalance are always the same: frustration and fatigue. Like imbalanced tires, you wear out quickly. Imbalance unchecked eventually leads to burnout.A number of years ago, a landmark study was conducted on "Peak Performers" - those who were leaders in their respective fields. One of the most common denominators of peak performers was, contrary to popular myth, that they were not workaholics but rather balanced individuals.The most balanced person who ever lived was Jesus Christ. The Bible says, he grew intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially (Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.). How would you rate yourself in these four categories of growth? Is there balance in your life or have you neglected one or more of these key areas? Let me challenge you to do a personal check up: Am I mentally sharper than 5 years ago? Why not? Will I do anything about it? Am I frequently complaining of fatigue or poor health? What's my plan to change? Am I developing the spiritual side of my life? What am I doing to better understand God and his purpose for my life? Am I cultivating meaningful relationships where support is given and received? Who can count on me as a genuine friend?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

GOD Is the Creator and Rightful Owner of EverythingThe silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2:8The first thing that every believer should do with what he or she has is to transfer ownership of every possession to God. This includes money, property, education, talents, etc. This step is fundamental getting started on a journey to financial freedom. Nothing can relieve our concerns and worries about our possessions like transferring ownership to God.I was at a conference a few years ago where a speaker talked about his first car. He had invested all his money in his car and constantly pampered and cleaned it. When a storm came at night he would lie awake hoping there would be no hail to dent his car. When he parked it at a mall he would worry that someone might steal it. He thought the car would bring him immense joy, but because he did not understand that God owns everything, it was a source of constant worry.Then he came upon the principle that God owns everything, including his car. Therefore, he prayed and admitted that God owned the car and he was only a steward of it. Soon after that decision, his ran out of gas on a dark, isolated highway at night. As he walked away, with great relief he prayed "Lord, I hope no one does anything to damage Your car."Unless we realize that everything belongs to God, our possessions and finances will lead us into bondage of fear and worry, not freedom. Transferring ownership to God is absolutely necessary if are to have a journey into financial freedom.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

1. Become a good stewardLu 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.1Co 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

2. Give at least a tithePr 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:Mal 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

3. Create an emergency fundMt 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

4. Develop a budgetPr 27:23-24 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?Lu 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

5. Pay off debt & become debt freePr 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.Pr 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

6. Train your childrenPr 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

7. Teach others2Tim 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Monday, February 16, 2009

We had a great time at our Valentine banquet on Saturday evening. My wife and 3 other ladies decorated the fellowship hall and it was really neat. after a catered meal from Dusty's BBQ we had a few games that were enjoyed by everyone. Then a great challenge by Bro Mark Cannon.

All our folks were encouraged to bring a visiting couple with them and many of them did. So we had several guest and that gave us the opportunity to introduce our church to them.

I heard many folks talking about the good time they had on Sunday. Their excitement will be an encouragement to the others

Friday, February 13, 2009

Acts 13:26-32The name church on a sign post over the door of a building does not guarantee that the Gospel of Christ is being declared from that particular pulpit. The name Baptist does not guarantee the declaration of the Good Tidings. Even the name Independent of Fundamental Baptist bears no guarantee. Most of the churches in existence today claim to be declaring the Gospel, yet the truth is many of the churches are far away from the Gospel.

Paul gives the three elements of the Gospel in this passage.The DEATH of Christ. --- Vs. 28. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.The BURIAL of Christ. --- Vs. 29. And fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.The RESURRECTION of Christ. --- Vs. 30. But God raised him from the dead:

Then he says, “And we declare unto you glad tidings...” Vs. 32. This is the same statement made by the heavenly angel in (Luke 2:10) "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

The Gospel will work one on one, or it will work to a football field full of people. The message is more important than the messenger. I have met some who thought God would be out of the saving business without them. I suspect that is not true. The greatest news your ears will ever hear is the “Good News” that Christ came to save sinners.Too many churches have gotten away from the gospel. Religious work, religious efforts, and religious programs have taken the forefront in today’s churches. We seem to have forgotten that Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

I want to look at the words in Vs. 32, “And we declare unto you the good tidings.”Notice that they:I. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DEBATED ITII. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DEFINED ITIII. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DILUTED ITIV. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DELEGATED ITV. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DISCARDED ITVI. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DECORATED ITVII. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DENIED ITVIII. THEY DECLARED IT - NOT DEFENDED IT

Thursday, February 12, 2009

A local church has many missions. Now in the 21st Century those missions have increased and changed somewhat; however, the one main mission will never change, nor will it be deleted. The main mission of any local N.T. Baptist Church is to win souls to Jesus Christ. The truth of the matter is that most churches are failing in the area of soul-winning and reaching the lost in the community around them.

We know how to organize basketball teams.We can organize great fellowship meetings.We can plan ski trips.We can participate in the electoral process.We can build great buildings.We can even computerize our churches.

All of these accomplishments are proper in their places, but it is a proven fact that we don’t win souls on very a successful scale.The majority of Baptist churches in America did not win one soul in the year 2008. Most of those churches have not baptized a convert in several years.Jesus told the disciples in John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."This is not referring to feeding thousands or healing the sick, or even raising the dead. He is talking about pointing men to a saving knowledge of Christ. He places soul-winning higher than any other work or mission of the church. When He called Peter and Andrew, He said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” He was referring to soul-winning.

Now if Jesus has commissioned us to win souls, why aren’t we turning the world upside down as did the early Church?

Where is the problem?Where is the breakdown?

I am praying that the Lord will help us to be a church that has the emphasis in the right place so we can make a difference in the lives of these that live around us.

Monday, February 9, 2009

We had a booth at the Post Activities Information and Registration Day (PAIR Day) at Ft Leavenworth on Saturday. This event happens twice a year to coincide with the arrival of the new classes at the Command and General Staff College. We set up a table with Bibles, tracts, fliers, note pads, pencils, and candy and for 4 hours (10am - 2 pm) we stood at the table and gave away 3 or 4 hundred bibles and talked with dozens of people about our church. What a blessing it was as thousands of people came through the gym and received information about the businesses and organizations around the Fort. We could not have met and introduced Northwest Baptist Church to this many potential visitors in any other 4 hour block of time. I am excited about the visitors this will produce over the next several weeks to our church.

I have run tables at conferences many times, but I don't think I have ever been as encouraged about the prospect of reaching this many people before. Thank the Lord for this opportunity and we will most definitely have a table at all of the PAIR Days. I can't wait to see how God will bless our church as a direct result of distribution of so much gospel literature. I also believe we can learn a lot from this PAIR Day and improve on our efforts for the next time.

Thank you for praying for this great event and now pray the Lord's word will do a work in the hearts of those who received it.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Our son-in-law Kevin is leaving today for Iraq. It is a sad day because we will miss him. It is also a very proud day for me his father-in-law. He is a good man and has been a good husband and father to our daughter and their children. As Kevin leaves we want him to know we will pray for him every day. Kevin knows the Lord as his personal Saviour and will be a testimony for the Lord to his fellow troops. Kevin has preached for me many times and always preaches with a burden for the lost. I trust the Lord will use him. I will post from time to time how he is doing. I encourage you to read his post. You will see his blog in the list of those I follow. Leave a comment for him because I know it will bless him.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Leadership is not a position – Leadership is a function. The first function of a leader is to make the purpose of the organization known. The purpose of the organization should be the vision. The leader should personify the vision. The purpose of Northwest Baptist Church is “to know Christ and to make Him known to a world that knows Him not”.As leaders must see farther down the road than those we leads

Three qualities in leaders that people want to follow1. They know someone others do not know2. They do something others have not done3. They know something others do not know

People will only follow you nowhere once or twice; they will then look for someone else to follow.Followers look for places to lay the blame – Leaders look for ways to make improvementEverything we do as leaders should be working toward the purpose we personify.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

INTRO: God is grieved by deceit and sometimes sends judgement on His own as an example and a lesson for others.

A great revival had taken place at Pentecost. Thousands were saved. Many had been healed. Material possessions had lost their value. Barnabas had sold his possessions and brought his money to the Apostles for the less fortunate. Ananias & Sapphira were envious of the praise and attention and sold theirs also. When they brought only part of the money they pretended to give it all. They were stricken dead and the people were gripped with great fear.

Lessons we need to learn:1. Saved people can and do sin. These folks were no doubt saved in the Pentecost Experience. Maybe among the 3,000 or 5,000 saved in the first days of revival. Other examples are Aachan, David, & Peter.2. Sins are committed against the Spirit. It is possible to "tempt" (Acts 5:9), to "grieve" (Eph. 4:31), "quench" (I Thess. 5:17), or "lie" (Acts 5:3,4) to the Spirit.3. Sin will always come out. The old truth, "be sure your sins will find you out", Is seen here. Also, "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap". Examples: Adnoibezek, Haman, Nadab & Abihu, Ahab, & David.4. God makes examples of some. We see many getting by with sin then in this case The Lord sends judgement. Obviously He uses them as examples to teach us.5. Fear of God. The bible speaks of those who have no fear of God before their Eyes. Solomon said, " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."6. Pretending is Hypocrisy. God hates sham, veneer, fakery, & putting up a front.7. Openness and repentance would have saved their lives. ( I Jn. 1:9)

Man's old nature is the problem we all struggle with. We must learn That we cannot deceive God. His eyes run to and fro through the whole earth.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Why should Christians give? Because it's the Father's way.Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The great 16th verse of John's Gospel begins with the words "For God". The whole premise and focal point is the action of God. What has the Father done: He has loved and He has given. God is a giver and He motivates and initiates giving. Christians should give because they want to be like their Father.Illustration: Recently I heard a mother say, "I told my sons, "you are just like your father." And he said, "I know it and I'm glad." I have had people say to me, "You're Charles Noffsinger's' son aren't you?" and I would say, "Yes, but how did you know?" "You look just like your dad and you walk just like your dad."Application: We do take on the characteristics of our family. We do look and act like our relatives and those with whom we associate. Doesn't it make sense that a Christian would become God like? Isn't it true that the qualities of Godliness would adorn the Child of God? Christians should give because it is like their Father.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Acts 1:1 Luke wrote about all that “Jesus began both to do and teach.”Some teach but wont DO. Some DO but wont teach. Jesus Did and Taught.Someone has said”" We have a lot of great preachers We need some great doers. We have a lot of great teachers We need some great doers. We have a lot of great singers We need some great doers. We have a lot of great livers We need some great doers."

We have enough people whose favorite scripture is Psa. 23. “lie down in green..” We need more folks whose favorite scripture is Ecc. 9:10 "Whatsover thy hand..”

Moses took off his shoes to WORSHIP -- Put them back on to WORK.

We spend a lot of time discussing the SABBATH, We need to concentrate on the other 6 DAYS of the week. “Six days shall thou LABOUR”

We’ve been singing “ Resting in the arms on Jesus”We need to be singing "We’ll work till Jesus Comes.”

We’ve sung “Heavenly Sunshine flooding my soul with glory divine”We need to be singing, “Work for the night is coming.”

We are emphasizing the “GIFTS of the Spirit and the FRUIT of the Spirit.”We ought to be working at getting the POWER of the Spirit.”

We’ve talked long enough about the Woman at the well.We need to go with her into town to win people to Christ.

Maybe we’ve talked enough about David’s harpMaybe we need to put the emphasis on David’s Sling.

We’ve been holding the FORT. We Need to Storm the Fort.

The GOSPEL is:1. Not a TREASURE To be buried -- something to be carried out to others.2. Not a LIGHT to be hid under a bushel - but to shine3. Not a FOOD to be stored in a cellar - but to be Spread to the 5,0004. Not a GARMENT to be hung in a closet - Robe of righteousness for the Naked.5. Not a WEAPON for the wall of a Museum – But to be used in Battle.6. Not a LAGOON for feeding Ducks -- River flowing for thirsty World.7. Not a RELIC to be examined -- REDEMPTION to be shared.8. Not a REQUEST to come and worship - COMMAND to go and Witness.

David Said in Psa. 143:10 “ Teach me to DO thy will OH, GOD. Not know thy will, find thy will, understand thy will, discuss thy will, etc.Paul. “ I can DO all thing through Christ ….” Not.. bear all things, Know all things, be all things, feel all things.Paul, “ LORD, what wilt thou have me to DO” Not BE, Hear, Learn, Know, quit, feel,

James 1:23 Be ye Doers of the word and not hearers only.”James 4:17 “ To Him that knoweth to DO good and DOETH it not”John 14:12 “ The work that I DO shall he DO also and greater works shall he DO.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Salvation is something that touches us so deeply, changes us so completely, and asks of us so little, that it never ceases to cause us to stand in awe of the grace of God. One man described his salvation something like this,One day, when God had nothing better to do, He began to search the lowest, darkest, most sinful hell holes on this earth for the worst sinner He could find. I was it. He scraped me from among the filth of humanity, took me to Calvary, and showed me what His Son had done for sinners like me. I could not believe that He would offer me so much, on terms so simple, but I had to try. That day I placed my trust in Christ to save me, and, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest of all miracles took place - God forgave my sin and saved my soul from the hell I deserved.Every Child of God has a similar testimony. Chances are you weren't a drug addict, a wife-beater, a child molester or a crook, but we were all sinners. And we all NEEDED and FOUND a Savior - and much, much more.That is what Paul is talking about when he asks the question, "What shall we then say to these things?" It is as if he is casting out a net and drawing in all the great salvation truths he has presented thus far. He began this letter with a grand declaration, that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. And then he proceeds to take us back to our lost condition and bring us again along the road to salvation.*For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of man.*There is none righteous, no not one ... For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.*But, where sin abounded, grace did much more abound ... for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.*There is therefore now no condemnation to them who which are in Christ Jesus ... For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.*And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.After God has gone so far to save us, will he leave us helpless in this world? Absolutely not. It is His will that we win in this contest of life, and to insure it, He has put a Champion in our corner. As Phil and Carolyn Cross so vividly portrayed in song, we have a Champion whose "height exceeds the heavens", whose "weight outweighs the world", whose "reach reaches everywhere", whose "age is ever more". He's "more mighty than the mightiest; He reigns from above. He's the all-time, undisputed, undefeated, Champion of Love."AND HE'S IN OUR CORNER.